The planetary boundaries framework identified nine processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth system. The framework proposes precautionary quantitative planetary boundaries within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive, referred to as a ‘safe operating space’. It suggests that crossing these boundaries increases the risk of generating large-scale abrupt or irreversible environmental changes that could turn the Earth system into a state that is detrimental for human development.
This report explores how to define European shares of the global safe operating space and evaluates the extent to which current European environmental footprints are compatible with the European limits as calculated for the addressed planetary boundaries. The analysis covers the combined territory of the 33 member countries of the EEA (the 28 EU Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey). It addresses three planetary boundaries in a European-scale analysis: phosphorus and nitrogen cycles (these biogeochemical flows are addressed as two separate Earth system processes), land system change, and freshwater use. In addition, a case study for Switzerland on biosphere integrity (genetic diversity) is included.
The report found the following:
- The European limit for nitrogen losses is exceeded (for all allocation principles) by a factor of 3.3 and the global limit is exceeded by a factor of 1.7.
- The European limit for phosphorus losses is exceeded (for all allocation principles except ‘sovereignty’) by a factor of 2 and the global limit is exceeded by a factor of 2.
- The European limit for land cover anthropisation is exceeded (for all allocation principles except ‘sovereignty’) by a factor of 1.8, but the global limit is not exceeded.
- The European limit for freshwater use is not exceeded (for any allocation principle). The European freshwater footprint is below the European limit by a factor of 3 and below the global limit by a factor of 3.3. However, this does not preclude the potential local overconsumption of freshwater at the basin level and issues with water scarcity in southern Europe.
The report concludes with recommendation for policies regarding planetary boundary regulation.